Emergency Dentist San Francisco

Have you ever knocked out a tooth, lost a crown, or had a painful tooth infection? If you have, you know how important it is to have an emergency dentist on call. Whether at home or on vacation, an emergency dentist can help you get the treatment you need to relieve pain and restore your smile.

Young Dental SF Group is your emergency dentist in San Francisco. Our highly trained and experienced team provides the highest quality emergency dental care for our patients with a wide range of services. Whatever your dental emergency may be, we will work to ensure that you receive the treatment you need as quickly and efficiently as possible. If you’re searching for a San Francisco emergency dentist, Young Dental SF Group is here for you. Call us at (415) 392-8611.

What Is a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any type of dental problem that requires immediate treatment or threatens your oral health. This can be the result of an accident, sports injury, or fall. 

Examples of dental emergencies include:

  • Knocked out tooth
  • Severe tooth pain
  • An abscessed or infected tooth
  • A broken tooth requiring a root canal
  • Lost crown
  • Jaw swelling or pain
  • A foreign object stuck in gums or mouth

How Do I Know if It’s Urgent?

Not every dental problem requires immediate treatment. For example, a chipped tooth that is not causing pain or discomfort can usually wait to be seen during regular business hours. On the other hand, a dental emergency like a knocked-out tooth or severe toothache will require urgent care to avoid further damage or pain. If you are ever unsure whether or not you are experiencing a dental emergency, it is always best to err on the side of caution and call your dentist immediately to discuss treatment options.

How To Deal With Dental Emergencies at Home

There are some things you can do at home to help until you can get to the dentist.

Knocked Out Tooth

If you have a tooth that has been knocked out, it is important to remain calm and try and find the tooth. Once you have found the tooth, gently rinse it off with warm water. DO NOT scrub the tooth as this can damage it. If possible, try to re-insert the tooth into the socket. If you cannot do this, place the tooth in a cup of milk or water. It is important that you get to the dentist as soon as possible as there is a time limit on how long the tooth can be out of the mouth before it is no longer viable.

Severe Toothache

If you have a toothache, rinse your mouth with warm water and use dental floss to remove any food that may be stuck between your teeth. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen to help with the pain. If the pain persists, call your dentist right away as this could be a sign of an infection.

Abscessed Tooth

If you have an abscessed tooth, rinse your mouth with warm salt water to help reduce the swelling. You can also put a cold compress or ice pack on your cheek to help with the pain and swelling. Seeing your dentist as soon as possible is important as abscesses can spread and become very serious.

Foreign Object Stuck in Mouth

If you have a foreign object stuck in your mouth or between your teeth, try to remove it with dental floss. DO NOT use a sharp object like a knife or scissors as this can cut or damage your gums. If you are unable to remove the object, call your dentist.

When To Visit the ER

Some dental emergencies require more than just a trip to the dentist. If you have any of the following problems, it is important that you seek medical attention right away:

  • Uncontrolled oral bleeding
  • Swelling in the face, mouth, or throat
  • Having trouble breathing

(Note: If you are ever unsure whether or not you are experiencing a serious emergency, it is always best to err on the side of caution.)

Tips to Avoiding Dental Emergencies

While not all dental emergencies are avoidable, there are some things that you can do to reduce your risk:

  • Good oral hygiene and gum health will help to avoid many dental problems like tooth decay, and gum disease and help fight against infections. Be sure to brush and floss your teeth daily, and see your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
  • Use mouth guards when playing sports or any activity that could put you at risk for a blow to the mouth.
  • Be careful not to bite your nails, chew on hard objects like ice or candy, and open packages with your teeth.
  • Avoid using your teeth to open bottles, as this can put them at risk for cracking or breaking.

Your San Francisco Emergency Dentist

If you are in the San Francisco area and are experiencing a dental emergency, we can help. We understand that dental emergencies can be scary and painful, so we will do everything we can to relieve your pain and get you on the road to recovery as quickly as possible.

If you need an emergency dentist in San Francisco, come see us at Young Dental SF Group or our partner practice at Post Street Dental. We have evening hours throughout the week and are open on Saturday to better serve you. We are located at 490 Post Street, Suite 830, San Francisco, CA. Call (415) 392-8611 to schedule an appointment or complete the online booking form.

FAQ

Is a loose dental implant an emergency?

If your dental implant is loose, it is important to see your dentist right away as this could be a sign of an infection. Do not leave a loose dental implant untreated for more than a few hours, as this could cause damage to your gums or teeth.

Is a cavity a dental emergency?

While cavities are not usually considered a dental emergency, seeing your dentist as soon as possible is important to get them treated. Cavities can lead to more serious problems if they are not taken care of in a timely manner.

What should I do if I have a cracked tooth?

If you have a cracked tooth, it is important to see your dentist right away as this could lead to further damage or an infection. In the meantime, you can reduce the pain by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water and avoiding hard or chewy foods.

Are bleeding gums a dental emergency?

While bleeding gums are not usually considered a dental emergency, it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible to get them checked out. Bleeding gums can be a sign of an infection, so it is important to have them treated before they worsen.

Are wisdom teeth a dental emergency?

Wisdom teeth are not considered an emergency unless severely infected. Wisdom teeth can cause problems if they are not removed in a timely manner, so it is best to have them evaluated by a professional before they become an issue.

Does insurance cover dental emergencies?

Some dental insurance plans cover a portion of dental emergencies, but it is important to check with your insurance provider to see if they offer any coverage.

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